Nishikori surprises Federer in Madrid

YOUNG GUN:Japanese player Kei Nishikori, 23, said Federer was his idol and it was one of his goals to beat the Swiss master, but he did not expect it to happen on clay

AFP, MADRID

The reigning French Open champion said she feels more comfortable than she ever has on clay.

“I think when you win a Grand Slam on a surface, it would be pretty mean of me to say that I’m not comfortable on the surface,” she said. “It took me many years to get to the level of where I am today. It certainly didn’t happen overnight.”

The Russian, who could overtake Williams at the top of the rankings should she win the title, next faces Estonian Kaia Kanepi.